Modal verbs

Question

Hi, I have a question concerning the use of modal verbs. I know that 'might' or 'could' are not typically used to express general possibility/probability in the present/future. Does it mean that In sentences 1-4, I should use 'can' which normally conveys a sense of general possibility? Or maybe they are correct because they present certain generalities based on a single process?

To give you some more information about the sentences below, the context is to describe the process of organizing an event.

1) Organizing a scientific conference might prove to be a demanding task for inexperienced organizers.

2) The next stage involves preparing invitations. They could be handmade or bought in a store.

3) Guests should be informed of the party well in advance to prepare outfits or whatever else might be necessary.

4) If not enough preparations are made, the event could be chaotic.

In the sentence below, is the perfect form the only acceptable option, given the phrase 'by the end of...'?

5) By the end of the second stage of preparation, invitations to a party should be sent/should have been sent.

Thanks for your feedback.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Modal verbs are generally not used to indicate tense, but rather, degree of doubt or probability.

Sent. 1: "Could" or "might" used here would indicate a probable demanding task for inexperienced organizers. "Can" used here would indicate a higher degree of probability that the task would be demanding for an inexperienced organizer.

Sent. 2: "Could" or "might" used here would indicate that invitations are generally handmade or purchased in a store. "Can" used here a higher degree of surety that invitations are handmade or bought in a store.

Sent. 3: The sentence is ungrammatical as written. There needs to be the word "that" after the word "else." "Might" or "could" can be used here to indicate the probability that preparations for the party would need to be made by guests. "Can" cannot be used here.

Sent. 4: "Could" or "might" can be used here to indicate probability of chaos if preparations are not thorough. "Can" used here would indicate an even higher degree or probability of chaos with lack of preparation.

Sent. 5: "Should have been sent" is the right choice here. "Should be sent" is ungrammatical here.

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks a lot for the exhaustive comments. I'd like to ask for one clarification. In sentence 5, should have been sent is the only possible option if the situation is set in the past, what if the sentence refers to the future?

5) By the end of the second stage of preparation, invitations to a party should be sent/should have been sent.

Modal verbs

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